Scots spikers hit stride before regional
HUNTLEY — Momentum for the post-season was achieved in several ways by McHenry County College’s women’s volleyball contingent.
The Scots, 27-5, head into the post-season opener at 6 p.m., Nov. 6 at their gym after a solid month.
Their opponent had yet to be determined. A win advances them to play at Madison College Nov. 10. MCC’s bes were at NJCAA DIII finish was seventh in 2019 and the Scots concluded in ninth in 2022.
Accomplishments for the Scots include: won the Skyway Conference championship with a 7-0 record; freshman middle blocker Anne Eschenbach earned national player-of-the-week honors on offense and four sophomores – Emily Willis of Huntley and a HHS alumna; Amanda Schaffer of Huntley, who attended Jacobs; Jessica Porten of Fox Lake, a Grant High grad and McHenry grad Kendall Kumsee, who was injured.
MCC head coach Kyle McCall described the Scots’ play of late.
“The Moraine Valley match win was pivotal to this group. They knew they are good but we think the win make them see that they can be great. Historically conference is important but most of our efforts go into winning the regional because that is how we get to the national tournament. However, the last group that won conference and went to the national tournament finished seventh, which is the best in school history,” McCall said.
Sophomore recognition night
McCall praised the play of the second-year players.
About Willis: “Willis has been a great teammate and has really worked on her leadership skills on and off the court. She is versatile and is still improving eery day. She really takes feedback well and can see her process and implement. She is going to continue playing years three and four somewhere but has not decided yet.”
About Schaffer: “Schaffer has become a whole new player this year. She played behind one of the best to set in an MCC gym her first year (Hannah Baudin – now at Indiana State). Her extra time in the gym has paid off big for her. She’s setting a great offense currently. She is also considering her options to continue playing years three and four.”
About Porten: “Porten is likely one of the biggest successes and changes in one season that we have had. She has really turned into a top player in the region and hard to stop for opponents. Her work ethic and drive has been very high all season and its showing every match. Jess is getting a ton of attention from four year schools and rightfully so. Jess is a game changer.”
Aabout Kumsee: “Kumsee was a huge loss for us early in the season with the ACL and meniscus tear. She had earned the libero jersey early on. She just had surgery but until then she was still in the gym everyday with us supporting and being the great teammate that she is.”
Eschenbach came to the Crystal Lake junior college after a high school career at Benet Academy in Lisle. She commutes from south suburban Downers Grove to MCC.
“Eschenbach earned the National Offensive Player of the Week for NJCAA DII. She is currently ranked fifth in kills per set in NJCAA DII. She is ranked sixth in total kills before t(the regular season finale,” McCall said.
“Eschenbach is so much fun to have in the gym. She is a fierce competitor but most importantly a great teammate. She wants the ball when the match is on the line. She has won a high school state championship and 18 open club champion.”
